Acquisition of Language in The Developing Child

I have recently met some parents and relatives who are concerned that their toddler  is not talking and so I happened to explain the Language Acquisition sequence to some but have decided to make it available here so everyone can make use of this great tool for understanding the development of language in the young child.

Dr. Montessori’s Language Acquisition sequence shows that acquisition of language is a sophisticated method of communication, verbal as well as written acquired over a length of time.  Dr. Montessori humorously termed this process of learning as the machinery of speech. She believed that the possession of language is just not enough, it is the possession of the mechanism that each human being has and that enables him to make language his own.  The Language Acquisition chart describes the natural progression of the development of language.

Dr. Montessori's chart describing Acquisition of Language, I have two typing errors here; in utero, the fetus responds to external 'stimuli' and by 6 years of age the language is 'complete'

According to this sequence of development, the fetus responds to external stimuli even when he is in his mother’s womb. From birth to 3 months of age the infant turns his head towards the sound. From 3 to 6 months the infant begins to babble, occasionally repeating sounds. At 10 months the child becomes conscious of language and discovers that words have meaning.  He also begins to grasp that words are directed towards him. Between 12 -15 months, he uses his first intentional words. At 18 months the child realizes that every object has a name and finally between 21 months - 2.5 years the child explodes into the use of words and phrases and possesses a vocabulary of more than 250 words. The slow and steady development appears in a vigorous outburst. From the age of 2.5 years to 6 years is the time when the child constantly learns grammar syntax, refines his verbal skills and continuously strives to perfect his language.

Indian Welcome And Talking About Montessori

Indian Welcome

Claire and myself under a mango tree

Our long airplane journey finally ended in homeland in Chennai.  It still feels very much like a dream.  A very good friend came to pick us up at the airport.  Baby and I were exhausted and dehydrated when we got to Pondicherry.  We stayed at the Carmel Convent's guest house.  This convent was built in the 17th century,  a significant piece of the history of this coastal town.  The sisters welcomed us and we were comfortable. We visited with sisters while they busily made hosts for the whole archdiocese here.  I recalled my retreats here when I was a student at the Pondicherry University.  Ever since I have landed here I have been feasting my eyes with the view of the Bay of Bengal, coconut trees,  fresh mangoes and  the joy of being around family members fills my heart up to the brim.  People just consider any baby as their own here, often strangers passing by stop to tickle Claire.  Everyone here is very warm and although the daily struggles of life are amplified there is still peace and certitude of a better tomorrow.

Talking About Montessori

I have been meeting a lot of people among who are many parents and their children are in schools.  It seems that there are many playschools in the area and all of them say they are either Montessori or Montessori inspired.  Although these schools are doing good work there is room for a Montessori school dedicated to Dr. Montessori's principles.  When I expressed my ideas to my father he told me the story of the island where nobody wore shoes and how all the salesmen from a shoe making company failed to sell any shoes until one salesman came along.  This salesman said "The market is here, I just have to teach them how to wear shoes and the benefits of wearing shoes!!"  I feel the same, however it is so different from wearing shoes to bringing awareness about early childhood development and an education that will lay foundation for the rest of the life of the child.  I visited one of the prominent schools in the town and found that a huge classroom of four walls and a few fancy tables defined the child's environment where he is to learn and discover.  I am evermore eager and impatient to have a classroom ready.

We are in the process of finding a building suitable for our needs for a classroom and an outdoor space.  The town is pretty compact and to dream of a garden space is a lot but there is no harm in dreaming.

So much for now! I will be able to write more often now, as I finally have internet.